Iconic Tejano artist Little Joe to visit Victoria

Debbie Escalante and her family are hosting music history and royalty under one roof Sunday.

Iconic Tejano recording artist Joe Hernandez, aka Little Joe of Little Joe y La Familia, will attend a meet and greet at the Club Westerner in Victoria to see fans and talk about his life, music and history. He is also being filmed for an upcoming documentary, "Recuerdos: The Life and Music of Little Joe."

Escalante, an organizer for the event, grew up listening to the artist. He is the Tejano community's George Strait, she said.

"He's been a social leader for 50 years," said Escalante, Prosperity Bank vice president.

The recording artist has been an activist when it comes to education, health and politics, she said.

He also works to preserve Tejano music, Escalante said, explaining he has recorded music that goes back to the years of his and her grandparents.

"He wanted to keep that alive," she said. "People tell stories about family and life, and he continues those through his music."

Little Joe's voice is distinct, she remembered from growing up.

"You heard his music, and you knew it was him," Escalante said. "All his music was personal. It spoke to your heart."

The artist's Grammys and albums will be on display, and Little Joe will talk about why he recorded certain songs and what was happening in the world at that time.

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If You Go

• WHAT: Little Joe meet and greet

• WHEN: Sunday (doors open at 3:30 p.m.; event is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.)